City 2 is the big indoor mall anchoring Rue Neuve, Brussels’ main pedestrian shopping street, with around 100 shops stacked over several floors. The huge Fnac on the top floor is the local go-to for books, tech and concert tickets, while the EATS! food court in the basement packs nearly 30 food stalls into one level. Practical tip: Rogier metro station connects directly into the mall, so you can arrive without stepping outside — welcome on a rainy Brussels day.
A central market square with stalls several days a week, strong on Belgian farm cheeses, North Sea fish, charcuterie and fresh oysters, plus organic produce on Wednesdays.
A daily flea market in the Marolles held since 1919, with around 300 stalls of antiques, curios, art and second-hand treasures. Come early for the best finds.
Brussels’ most famous landmark, built for the 1958 World Fair as an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Ride up to the top sphere for panoramic city views and exhibitions inside the connecting tubes. Adult entry is around 16 euros.
A long-running Belgian social enterprise whose second-hand shops fund social programmes for people in need, a great place to thrift while doing good.
A museum devoted to Belgian surrealist Rene Magritte, holding the world’s largest collection of his work, from bowler hats to floating apples, on the Kunstberg art hill.
A circular concept store bringing together sustainable brands, repair services and a cafe, and hosting regular ethical markets and events.
The MIM houses thousands of instruments from around the world inside a stunning Art Nouveau building, with headphones that play each as you pass and a rooftop cafe with city views.
A well-loved vintage and second-hand chain with several Brussels branches, offering curated pre-loved fashion at friendly prices.
Six galleries holding more than 20,000 works from the 15th to 21st centuries, including Flemish masters like Bruegel and Rubens, at the heart of Brussels’ art quarter.